Septic Systems Maintenance is No Joke! But they do have funny slogans

Every three years like clockwork, I put in a call to Olson's to have our septic pumped out. It’s a dirty business and somebody’s gotta do it. The City of Ham Lake where we live, does not have a public sewer system. We all have individual sewage disposal or septic systems in our yards. The septic pumping and inspection is mandatory every three years. Getting your septic pumped and inspected is a requirement of most Twin Cities metro municipalities. State and county codes are not specific on the subject of on-site or individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS) or septic systems, leaving it up to each Minnesota city to adopted their own rules for inspection.

We have had Olson’s Sewer Service of Forest Lake maintain and inspect our system since we moved to our Ham Lake acreage. Their slogan, “keeping your sewer in the pink” and hot pink trucks are seen all over Forest Lake, Columbus, Lino Lakes, Wyoming and Ham Lake. When the pink reminder postcard arrives in the mail, we schedule our inspection right away.

Olson’s slogan while catchy is tame compared to others as septic professionals really have a sense of humor about the role they play in the community. Here is a list of some favorites that have been seen on sewage and plumbing trucks all over the US:

· Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
· We're #1 in the #2 business.
· You Dump It, We Pump It
· After the first whiff, call Cliff.
· A good flush beats a full house
· We do Pump 'N Right
· We'll take crap from anybody.
· Satisfaction guaranteed or your merchandise cheerfully returned.
· Your poop is our bread and butter!
· Your brown is our green.

If you have a septic system on your property, check with city hall for specific time frames. While once every three years is required in Ham Lake, it is once every two years in Lino Lakes. Most cities require that the tank, drain field and baffles of the system be checked at the same time. The licensed contractor will provide a completed permit to the city to document the inspection.

This is not an optional inspection. If you choose not to inspect your system, the city might do it for you. Then you could be on the hook for additional fines and charges from your city.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--East Bethel Black Bear Against the Clouds!

In East Bethel, Minnesota on the north side of Highway 65 sits this tall carved black bear. It is a beautiful carving and one I am proud to add to my series of Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions!

Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm

Real Estate Resolutions for Minnesota Home Buyers and Sellers in 2012

As 2011 comes to a close, I noticed a change in the real estate market across the north and east Minneapolis/St Paul metro area.  Home sellers were seeing a more active market during the last quarter and many received purchase agreements. Home buyers who for several years had the luxury of the upper hand in negotiations, suddenly found they were in multiple offer situations when they submitted a contract for a seller's consideration. While there still is a good range of inventory in the higher priced categories, first time buyers had less options than a year or two ago.  Yet a tenacious Twin Cities home buyer can still find good options in almost every price range throughout the metro area. Town homes, single family, split levels, ramblers, two stories, remodels, foreclosures, short sales and new construction.

As a REALTOR® serving Lino Lakes, Ham Lake and communities in the Forest Lake School District, I keep a close eye on the north and east Twin Cities real estate market. During the last few months of the year, I noticed bit of a change in the wind. Activity has continued to improve. Motivated sellers are pricing their homes to be attractive to the more educated home buyers of the current market. Buyers teetering on the edge of the proverbial home buying pool took the plunge and wrote offers as interest rates hit record breaking lows. Negotiations were made and offers accepted. The Minneapolis/St Paul real estate market took one tentative step toward as 2011 came to a close.

So what does that mean for those considering purchasing a home or selling their property in 2012? From Ham Lake to Forest Lake and Lino Lakes to Shoreview, we have begun to build a strong foundation in our real estate market again. Keeping the property value base strong is essential to all Minnesotans. In 2012, homeowners should  RESOLVE to be Real Estate Savvy!

Resolutions for Home Sellers

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*Set the right price when first listed
*Make all necessary repairs
*Declutter
*Make each showing count by staging the home for sale.
*Be ready and willing to negotiate.

Resolutions for Buyers

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*Get pre-approved for a mortgage  before you start your home search. Check in with your Loan Officer on a regular basis to discuss any change in your financial status or the loan market.
*Write realistic offers that encourage negotiation.
*Understand the foreclosure and short sale process—While prices can seem like a deal, the assumed risk to buyers on an as-is sale is great.

Resolutions for Homeowners

*Even if you do not plan to sell your home in 2012, there are things a homeowner should be doing to maintain and retain property value.
*Keep the interior and exterior of your home in good repair on a continual basis rather than deferring until time of sale.
*Stay current with your mortgage and discuss any financial problems with lender immediately.
*Be a good steward of your neighborhood.

Resolutions for Investors

*Team up with a professional REALTOR®
*If holding the property, offer a safe and maintained residence at a fair price to the renters
*If flipping or repairing/reselling the property, be realistic with the numbers. Don’t over invest in materials and curb enthusiastic inflated resale estimates. 2012 home buyers are educated in the value of real estate and won't over pay!
*Be a good steward of your properties and the communities in which they are located.
*Maintain the properties to retain value for your portfolio as well as the neighborhood.

If buyers, sellers, homeowners, investors and real estate professional alike work together to maintain slight momentum in the market that started at the end of 2011, 2012 could make additional strides toward recovery for the Twin Cities real estate market.

Copyright 2011 www.terieckholm.com

Unexpectedly Amazing Bank-Owned Homes on Lakeshore & Acreage throughout Anoka County!! (And some by traditional sellers too!)

Looking for a foreclosure, bank-owned or short sale but need to be able to live in the home immediately after closing?

Good news is that foreclosures are no longer always trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.

Here are a few of the treasures I noted on the Twin Cities MLS in Anoka County today:

• New Construction Foreclosure Brick Rambler in Ham Lake! Acre lot, 6 car attached garage, executive 4BR/3BA with hardwood, tile, vaults and more. 80% complete. Builder price $480K, bank asking $279,900.


• 3500 Sq ft Executive Rambler on Ham Lake acreage. 4BR/3BA/4Car on 1.8 acre lot. Cherry cabinets. Hwd floors, media room, 2 decks +++ Builder listed for $799K in 2007. Bank asking $499K.


• 4+ Beautiful Acres 5BR/2BA/3Car in Columbus. Originally sold in 2005 for $322K…Bank asking $175K.


• 1996 Built Modified 2 Story on 25+Acres in St Francis 4BR/2BA with 3 car, wooded setting, Hwd floors, Master suite, gas fpl in finished family room listed by bank for $239K!


• Coon Lake Shoreline 4BR/5BA/5Car in Ham Lake 85+ft shoreline and 2+Acres. Entertainers dream 2 Story w/2 full kitchens &Master suites! w/o basement. Original list $650K now priced to sell at $454,900.


• 2 story on Pet Lake in Linwood! Not a foreclosure, but priced like one! Just listed today at $180K ($40K under tax value)! Well maintained 2BR/3BA/2Car w/Hickory cabinets and SS Appliances.


• New Construction Foreclosure 5BR Two Story in Ham Lake! Acre lot, Completely finished with upgrades: Cherry cabinets, upstairs laundry, private master suite. Builder price $570K, bank asking $369,900

If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed home, time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different than when working with a traditional seller.
Seven Tips for homebuyers considering a foreclosed home:

1. Banks LOVE clean offers. Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won't be considered.


2. Banks reject lowball offers...no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.


3. Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.


4. Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. Repairs will not be made.


5. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500.


6. Personal property is not included as part of the sale. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don't guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace.


7. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank. In many cases, the bank will not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the bank...the listing agent is required to tell the bank everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The agent works only for the bank.

Are YOU ready to get a great deal on a foreclosed home? Let me be your professional REALTOR®! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet , Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

Winter Acreage Home Bargains in the Twin Cities North Metro… Deals are TOO Good to last until Spring!

Looking for a bargain on an acreage home in the Twin Cities north Metro?

Think all the good deals are gone or won’t hit the market until next spring?

Think again! Here are 10 BEAUTIES that JUST LISTED in Anoka County, Northern Washington County or Northern Ramsey County.

Some of these deals are on foreclosures or bank-owned homes. Some are short sales which will take a bit longer to negotiate with the seller and the bank. But many are being offered for sale by traditional sellers and are still awesome deals!

Winter can be a great time to buy a MINNESOTA home and with the Homebuyers Tax Credit of 2009/2010, it makes more sense than ever to get your home search started as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that foreclosures are no longer trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.

Here are TEN OPPORTUNITIES that listed since December 1st that I noted while perusing the Twin Cities MLS today:

• 4BR/2BA Lino Lakes Short Sale. 1967 rambler with a one car garage on just over an acre for less than $130K


• 5BR/3BA/2Car on 1.5 Acres in North Oaks!! Almost 3000 sq ft finished, with custom woodwork throughout. Asking over $150K less that assessed value at $330K.


• 2.7 Acres and 4 Car Garage in Ham Lake! 4BR/2BA built in 1981 backs up to Carlos Avery game preserve. Listed under assessed value at $250K.


• 4BR/3BA/6Car One Story in Ham Lake. New construction in 2007, bank-owned home on just over an acre. Some handicap accessible features. Builder listed at $429K …Bank asking $280K.


• 2 Story with 3 Pole Barns on 40 Ham Lake Acres! 3BR/3BA completely remodeled in&out. Traditional seller asking $500K.


• 3BR/4BA/3Car New Construction in Forest Lake. BANK-OWNED built in 2005 home on 1.6 acres with city water and sewer. Full Master suite. Builder price $489,900…Bank asking price $175K LESS at $315K.


• 5BR/4BA Brick 2 Story on Forest Lake. 1+ Acre lot. 100 ft shoreline on First Lake. 5200 square ft executive home built in 2000. Originally listed at 1.5 Million….now bargain priced at $850K.


• 8.7 Acres Split Level in East Bethel! 2BR/2BA built in 1993. Third bedroom and family room just need carpet. Bank-owned fixer-upper price $138K.


• 1 Acre Rambler with view of Coon Lake. 3BR/2BA/3Car Quiet East Bethel community. Traditional seller listed at $199,900.


• 2.5 Acres in Andover Spectacular Short Sale! 4BR/4BA/3Car 2 story built in 2006. All the bells and whistles included. Sold for $505K three short years ago…now listed at $385K.

If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed, short sale or traditionally sold home, it is time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different than when working with a traditional seller.
Seven Tips for homebuyers considering a foreclosed home:

1. Banks LOVE clean offers. Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won't be considered. (Note: Traditional sellers rarely look at offers without proof of funding either.)
2. Banks reject lowball offers...often with no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.
3. Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.
4. Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. Buyers must be prepared to make all necessary repairs out of their own pocket after closing.
5. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500.


6. Personal property is not included as part of the sale. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don't guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace.


7. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank. In many cases, the bank will not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the bank...the listing agent is required to tell the bank everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The agent works only for the bank.

FEATURED Acreage Listing in Oak Grove. Minnesota


Oak Grove 9+Acre estate being offered by a traditional seller for $259,900! Bring the horses and ATV’s! Contemporary 1-1/2 story 4 Bedroom home with 5+ Mechanics Dream Garage.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Foreclosure Inventory Down; House Prices Up—Are there Still Good Deals on Acreage and Lakeshore in Anoka County?

Absolutely! There are still GREAT deals on many acreage and lakeshore home throughout Anoka County (and Washington County too)!

The $8000 tax credit caused a flurry of activity at the end of the summer. With the original end of November deadline looming, people rushed to snatch up deals on acreage and lakeshore homes throughout Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties. But now with the extension and expansion of the tax credit, many first time homebuyers and previous owners alike are excited that they too can STILL get a credit but wonder if they missed out on all the good deals. Not a chance. There are still deals to be found throughout the Twin Cities north and east metro!
Looking for a foreclosure, bank-owned or short sale but need to be able to live in the home immediately after closing?
Good news is that foreclosures are no longer always trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.
But not ALL deals are foreclosures!
Many homes priced to sell are people who have to sell do to a lifestyle change that is not financial. Whether relocating for a new job, getting married or having twins, people have to find new places to live. If a seller is motivated, they are pricing to compete with the foreclosure market. So don’t think the only deals are lender mediated or you could miss out on a beauty!
Here are a few of the treasures I noted while perusing the Twin Cities MLS in Anoka and Washington County today:

• New Construction on 2+Acres in Ham Lake. Wooded backyard. Walkout basement. Custom built two story 4BR/3BA/3Car home with over 2500 square feet of finished living space. Down $30K Offered at $361,900


• Like NEW Rambler on Egg Lake in Hugo. Beautiful views in awesome 2005 Built executive rambler w/granite, mstr suite and more. Awesome 4BR/3BA/3Car home with walkout and over 3000 square feet of finished living space. Sold for $539K in 2006 now offered at $399,900


• Almost NEW Coon Lake Treasure Lakeshore PLUS Acreage !! 2005 built 5BR/3BA on almost 3 wooded acres and 200ft on Coon. Home has 1700+ sq ft finished w/lower level sheetrocked and wired for 1700 more. Priced under $380K.


• 6200+Sq ft Ham Lake 2Sty on 3.5 Acres! 6BR/6BA/4 car built in 2005 with picture perfect landscaping, oak floors and huge master suite. Originally listed at $825K but short sale priced at $545K!


• BRAND NEW 2BR/1BA/3Car Linwood Rambler on 2.5 Acres Main flr laundry, hickory cabinets, landscaped yard and framed for 2 BR and bath in lower level! Originally listed at $249K now $235K!


• Amazing value on 100 Ft of Forest Lake shoreline. 1988 built 3BR/3BA/2Car remodeled inside and out with breathtaking views of Forest Lake available due to relocation. Tax valued at $530K and NOT a short sale but down $150K being offered at $374,900


• 3BR/2BA/3CAR on 7 ACRES in Linwood! Built in 2006 custom built rambler in almost new condition. 3 BR on main, private master with whirlpool, front porch. Original asking price $349K but priced short at $249K.

If you are in the market for a great deal on a lakeshore or acreage home, time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different in this changed market. Many times you can be submitting your offer to a bank rather than a traditional seller and how they assess your purchase agreement is all business and less heart.
Eight Tips for homebuyers in this CHANGED real estate market:

1. Don’t wait until after the holidays! Homes are being listed every day…even in November and December. If you wait until January 1st to contact a REALTOR and loan officer for preapproval, you will miss out on a deal or two. Many people choose to wait out until after the holidays…smart buyers will be ready to write an offer even if the home is listed a few days before Santa arrives!


2. Banks LOVE clean offers. Heck…traditional sellers love them too! Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won't be considered.


3. Banks reject lowball offers...often without negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling. Traditional sellers often will be offended by an unreasonable offer and less likely to negotiate. Make sure your agent provides comparable sales to review before writing your offer on the purchase agreement so it makes good sense to both you as a buyer and the seller.


4. Well priced homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.


5. Banks sell homes AS-IS. Homes held in an estate or owned by a relocation company will also routinely require AS-IS agreements.What you see is what you get. Buyers must be prepared to make all necessary repairs out of their own pocket after closing.


6. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500. Conversely, traditional sellers and relocation companies will often negotiate to determine who will pay for some types of the inspections. A basic home inspection is usually paid for by the homebuyer.


7. Personal property is not included as part of the sale when a lender owns the home. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don't guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace. This is not the case with a traditional sale. Make certain every appliance, as well as any other personal property, is listed in the purchase agreement if the home is sold by a traditional seller.


8. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank or seller of the property. In many cases, banks do not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the seller...the listing agent is required to tell the seller and their representatives everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the listing agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The listing agent works only for the seller of the property. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests in the transaction usually does not cost anything…It is paid for by the seller.
   

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Shoveling in September in Anoka County MN? It’s NUTS!

Literally! Nuts…Acorns to be specific. It’s a banner year for the oak trees in our yard! Unfortunately several of the branches that provide shade on our Ham Lake driveway in the summer, drop hundreds…no thousands of acorns onto our driveway. We thought that collecting them and bringing bushels of our red and bir acorns to the DNR was a novel idea, but a 3 hour drive to Bemidji for a possible $40 a bushel is not going to happen.

So we elected to shovel the nuts after they ping like hail stones onto our vehicles. We have blown them off the driveway in the past but it doesn’t get all the acorn-butter bits that our tires have ground in during the week. Believe me, shoveling is easier than sweeping. After they are dumped onto the edge of our property, the squirrel and white-tailed deer get a one-stop smorgasbord as usually we have a few crabapples in the mix.

What fun it is to live on Minnesota acreage!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Almost Wordless Wednesday--Appletime in Anoka County Minnesota!

The apples are ready to pick and eat in Minnesota! I took this shot before we started picking all the apples off this tree. The white-tailed deer are the tip off that they are ready...When we saw the doe and fawn munching our apples off the tree last week, we knew we'd better get picking fast.

The local wildlife are not after the crab apples or golden delicious trees in our Ham Lake backyard yet. Guess we need a few more cool nights in Ham Lake to bring out the sweetness in those varieties. (We don't eat the crabapples but hear they make great jelly!)

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

The Sumac is Starting to Turn---10 Fall Maintenance Tips for Minnesota Homeowners!

I could hardly believe it when I saw it…The sumac is starting to turn in Anoka County and all over the north metro. Combine that with an over night temperature in the mid-40’s and we know that summer is almost over. Okay sumac is the first to turn colors and on most trees the leaves are still green but fall will be upon us soon. In a few more weeks we will need to wrap up all those summer projects and get the house ready for the winter season.

As I walk around my Ham Lake backyard and see the few leaves that have just begun their transformation from vibrant green to brilliant red I wonder where the summer went. It was the usual blur of activity baseball, summer classes, weekend excursions, trips to Bunker Beach and Valleyfair with an occasional evening on the patio enjoying family time around a blazing fire in the firepit. All good things eventually come to an end...I realize it is time begin the autumn chores to protect our investment from the winter ahead.

As a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities metro, I know how important it is to maintain a home in throughout the year. Winters can be mild or brutal in Minnesota. Despite what the Old Farmer’s Almanac might predict there is no guarantee which type of weather will come our way this year. Getting your home ready in the fall can prevent winter damage and costly repairs in the spring. And for any homeowner thinking the spring of 2010 will be the time to make a move, taking late summer and fall photos is a great asset to a winter listing to show how beautiful your landscaping is all year round!

Here are TEN essential tips and reminders of repairs and preventive maintenance all homeowners should consider in the fall:

1. Clear Gutters of leaves and other debris that might clog the drainage. A blocked gutter can cause an ice dam when the snow flies.


2. Winterize the lawn tractor or mower and get that snowblower tuned. If you have a plow service, make contact and update your contract prior to the first snowfall.


3. Change security lightbulbs in hard to reach outlets. It would hazardous to climb ladders to reach the tip of a garage over an icy driveway.


4. Unhook, coil and remove hoses from water spigots. Turn off and winterize sprinkling systems. Turn off water to outside spigots if not frost-free to prevent burst pipes in subzero temperatures.


5. Schedule the annual furnace cleaning and tune-up to be ready for those first cold evenings. Remember to change the furnace filter every month for best efficiency…even if the packaging says “6-month filter”. QUICK TIP: Change filter when you make your monthly mortgage payment so you don’t forget.


6. Check all windows and doors to see if new caulk or weather-striping is needed.


7. Fall is the perfect time to paint with the low humidity and crisp breeze. Check deck, siding and trim for peeling paint.


8. Fall is the last chance to seal the asphalt driveway prior to winter freezing. Fill cracks and topcoat if necessary.


9. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Verify that the flashings are sealed from rain and snow.


10. Snap a few fall photos while the mums and trees are vibrant with color! Golden yellow oak leaves and vivid red sumacs will look awesome in the Twin Cities MLS if you decide to sell your home over the winter. Beautiful, green photos are a refreshing change when you consider that all of your competition will be snow covered!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Granite and Stainless Steel Appliances are Over-Rated (and not required) in all Anoka County Kitchens!

As a REALTOR® I have fun watching the HGTV’s remodeling, staging and sell-your-house-now shows but not all the advice is going to make sense for every home and every market. Case in point, kitchen remodels. You’d think watching these shows that the only way a real estate agent can sell a house with a new kitchen is if it has been remodeled with granite and stainless steel appliances. It seems that every real estate agent that walks through a newly remodeled kitchen is either gushing about the “perfect” choice of granite or lamenting about how the new white appliances were the wrong choice.

Here’s the problem…Each show has one agent in a particular town giving a personal opinion based on their knowledge of their market. Time after time I see these REALTOR’s® crestfallen faces as they enter the kitchen as eager sellers show off their beautifully remodeled space where they have chosen…can you believe it…WHITE appliances! The agent will gush over the granite and maybe the tile backsplash or light fixtures then question the choice of appliances. “Why, oh why did you not choose stainless steel?” they often lament. “But you did make an excellent choice with the granite counters.”

Now add in that some of these shows are reruns from a few years back and one has to ask the question, does it always make sense to always use granite and stainless in a kitchen remodel? My answer is no.

A few weeks ago, I showed late 1980’s built four level split in Ham Lake just a few miles north of Blaine. The selling features included a couple of acres with mature trees, a polebarn garage, a just completed four season sunroom and remodeled kitchen. The kitchen had beautiful granite counters and island accented by high end stainless appliances. Unfortunately, it also had the original 1980’s windows that had seen better days. The wood rot was evident and progressing to a point where the windows would require replacing throughout the original part of the home. Add to this the complete lack of window treatments in the new family room which meant there was zero privacy as the bank of floor to ceiling glass faced the street. If the homeowners had gone with good quality appliances and high end laminate counters instead, they could have diverted the thousands of dollars from the kitchen remodel to replace windows and purchase window treatments for the sunroom.

Here’s another point….Even if the home was in pristine condition, it is doubtful that the sellers would ever see a positive return on their granite investment. In fact, in the Twin Cities the average homeowner will see a return of about 72% on their investment on a kitchen remodel…NOT 100%! If homeowners overpay for the materials used, that percentage will no doubt drop like a chunk of granite used in the remodel! If the homeowner intends to eventually sell, upgrades like granite might help the home to sell faster in a slow market, but dollar for dollar return in most cases would be lower than going with high quality laminate in an older north metro Twin Cities home. (For more information on return on remodeling investments see the Cost vs. Value Report 2008 for the Mpls/St Paul area.)

Now had the home been a bit newer and located just to the south in one of the Blaine neighborhoods near the Tournament Player’s Club golf course where everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) has granite and stainless, you bet, that not having these features would be a big negative when the owners went to sell. But this was not the case in a mid-range 1980's Ham Lake neighborhood.

Here’s the bottomline on remodeling your home…If you plan to move in the near future, make required repairs first and be certain your upgrades fit YOUR neighborhood. As a local REALTOR® who knows the Twin Cities North and East Metro, I am here to help!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Spring Wildfire Danger in Anoka County—This was TOO Close for Comfort!

Yesterday was a beautiful, almost spring weather day. Strong winds were blowing the cold air out and there was a promise of spring weather around the corner for later in the week. Those of use who live in Anoka County near wetlands and prairies realize the windy spring weather has some drawbacks. The winter has left grass dry and dormant. One lit cigarette or untended bonfire can spark a huge wildfire. The Minnesota DNR always has spring fire restrictions and we are always aware of them until that first spring rain. DNR Spring Fire Restrictions.

In the morning we were concerned to hear that a few fires had broken out along Lexington Avenue from Blaine to Ham Lake. Usually along the road the fires are started by carelessly tossed cigarettes but several within an hour along the same stretch of road was suspicious. The fires were contained but when they mention Carlos Avery and fire, I don’t like it at all. We live near the Carlos Avery Preserve. It is a huge area that stretches from Lino Lakes to Wyoming. I know of several homes that abut the preserve and so fires in the area are very scary….Especially on a windy day.

So as I headed down my road a few miles away late yesterday afternoon, imagine my concern as I saw smoke across the sod field in the Carlos Avery area. My commute takes me on Broadway Avenue, a main thoroughfare that bisects the preserve in Columbus. As I travelled east, I knew the danger had not past. The south side was ablaze.





It was frightening. I snapped a few pictures as I approached but figured the deputy directing traffic would frown upon by distracted driving so didn’t get any as I went by the area where the fire was so close I could feel it heat up the inside of the car. I also resisted the impulse to pull over for additional pictures as so many others had.








Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable; winds change.
It was a scary afternoon. We were diverted on our way home about 10 miles south to Lino Lakes on our return trip. The fire spread. 1500 total acres burned. Friends we know were being evacuated. The smoke filled the air. Fortunately the wildfire was contained without losses of homes or lives. But the scars will remain.




As I commuted down Broadway this morning, the scorched land was still smoldering. A Forest Lake firefighter was arrested in connection with starting the blaze at around 1pm in the ditch along Broadway. The story becomes even stranger when it is revealed that he was a former business owner, award winning volunteer fire fighter, coach. What goes through someone’s mind when they put so many others at risk?
Spring fire restrictions in place for a reason. Heed the warnings.

Fire Facts

• Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in MN occur during April and May.
• The burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Time is Running Out! Trim Oaks by April 1st to Prevent Oak Wilt!

The snow is quickly melting away and spring has sprung! If your oak trees require trimming, do not delay. Oak wilt is devastating to the landscape across Anoka County. Oak trees should be trimmed in the late fall or winter months. If you have overgrown oak trees, trim them this week or wait until fall to avoid exposure to this tree-killing disease!

As a REALTOR who lives and works in the areas of Blaine, Ham Lake and Lino Lakes, I am very aware of how this tree-killing disease affects property values throughout Anoka County and the north metro. Two years ago I shared photos of a property in our Ham Lake neighborhood where the owners had been dealing with oak wilt for the past several years. In one summer alone this property lost 11 trees. While the amazing thicket of mature oak trees is gone, the new owners took the initiative to save the remaining oaks and with treatment and proper care no additional trees have been lost in nearly two years.

Oak wilt is not just a Ham Lake problem. It is prevalent in communities from Lino Lakes to North Branch and Forest Lake to Stacy. Whether you live in Anoka, Chisago or Washington County, if you have oaks on your property, you need to take precautions to protect them from this deadly disease.What is Oak Wilt?
Oak wilt is a disease caused by a fungus which attacks the central system of the tree from the roots to the leaves. The tree attempts to block the fungus, but also blocks all water and nutrients to the branches and leaves. Eventually, the trees leaves wilt and it dies.

Oak wilt spreads through the root systems of near by trees and by fungus beetles that carry the oak wilt spores from tree to tree. For additional information on oak wilt from the University of MN Extention Service CLICK HERE.

How to Protect YOUR Trees

The fungus beetles infect trees that have been recently injured or trimmed. These beetles are very active in the spring and summer months. Oaks should be protected from damage and not trimmed from April through July.

Trim large mature oaks now. As a preventative to spring storm damage, have your large oaks trimmed now so that heavy, dead branches won’t fall during tornado season and break other healthy limbs.

Tree trimming of mature oaks is best left to professionals especially near the power lines. The trimmer should use a bucket truck or a line/pulley system, NOT spiked climbing boots which can damage the tree.

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Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Snow or No Snow…Don’t be a Turkey and forget to Spring Forward Tonight!

Springing forward is a bit of a let down when snow is still in the forecast. Springtime is one of my favorite times of year in Minnesota. It is the time of year when the snow melts and the ground thaws so quickly that the winter white world seems to change overnight into an array of green shades from lime to emerald. Flowers start budding. Birds sing late into the evening. Everything starts anew again.

Like last year, we are springing forward earlier than we had in the past many years of daylight savings time. As March is one of Minnesota’s snowiest months, we will have a bit to wait before spring really arrives.
But having the sunset is an hour later starting tomorrow is a blessing in the spring real estate market. It means that showing those vacant foreclosures in the evening hours will no longer be an adventure! Viewing properties without an exterior light to shine on the ice on the unsalted stairway is treacherous. Starting tomorrow a bit of the challenge has been removed but the bargains are still available. The warm spring weather and green grass won’t be far behind!

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

More Bars in Ham Lake is a Good Thing—Cell Phone Bars that is!

A late holiday present arrived to those living in Ham Lake, Linwood and Columbus near Carlos Avery. It appears a new cell phone tower is being constructed just to the north of the intersection of Crosstown and Broadway. We noticed the amazingly huge pole being raised a few days after Christmas. My teenagers, with their new internet accessible phones thought that maybe it was a mirage. After pinching each other to make certain they weren’t dreaming, they cheered that our area of Ham Lake was finally going to be connected with the rest of the world!

Now to some in this rural area, this is an eyesore not a Godsend. But as a REALTOR who drives down Lexington (County 17) and Broadway (County 18) daily and has to use a mobile phone as part of my business, I know that the bars are few and far between. If you are lucky to have a connection, the conversation almost always breaks down to gibberish while traveling this stretch of road…And if you live anywhere in the vicinity of Coon Lake and Carlos Avery, you are often walking around your acreage to find that perfect spot where a signal will come through to make a call. Heaven forbid if you are one of those people, like me, that pace when conversing! Calls are dropped all of the time. So as nearby residents, my family has been watching the progress of the tower and patiently wait until the panels go live…Hopefully it is soon. The spot in my yard where my Blackberry comes in is not sheltered from the elements. And there are still a few weeks of winter cold ahead…and spring rain…etc.

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Year End 2008 Snapshot of Ham Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics

Home sales did not fluctuate significantly in Ham Lake, Minnesota a community synonymous with acreage properties. In this eastern Anoka County city home sales were flat with only two additional homes sold this year than in 2007. There were only a handful more homes listed too and the average days on the market rose only by six days from 178 to 184, not significant. The average price of a home sold did drop quite a bit however. It is 11.7% lower than in 2007 as it fell to under $300,000. All in all, the home sales market in Ham Lake, Minnesota appears somewhat stable.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Year End 2008

The City of Ham Lake has a rich history. Incorporated in 1974, Ham Lake became a city after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The area was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. Though, I can only assume that the lake itself got its name due to its unusual “ham hock” shape, the community started out with a different name. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of “beautiful valley”. Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved but the community was resettled again. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as Ham Lake. Anoka County officially was recognized it as a township in 1871. In the early 1900’s Central Avenue (Highway 65) was a slow commute as it was a wagon trail through the sand and swampland. And we think going through stop light after stop light slows traffic. Though it was graveled and paved at some point, it 1954 before was expanded to four lanes.

Those four lanes are in full use now as more and more people look to buying home on acreage in the Ham Lake area. Though the sluggish real estate market has affected Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in 2008, homes did sell. Homes are stayed on the market longer with an average Cumulative Days-on-Market (CDOM) of 158 days for homes during 2008. Note that CDOM for homes over $500,000 are the only homes with extremely long market times, selling with an average CDOM of 287.

While there are 13% fewer homes on the market in Ham Lake now compared to January 2008 (110 versus 126 active listings), homes are taking a bit longer to sell so there continues to be more homes on the market than buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the area is approximately 5-6 months but inventory levels indicate a different story. Inventory levels are manageable for homes under $200,000 with about 12 months of inventory. But it rises to 18 to 24 months in prices between $200,000 and $500,000. Over $500,000 there is over five years of inventory. Having your home properly priced and prepared for showings will be essential if planning to sell a home in this Anoka County community in 2009.

Year End 2008 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 27 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, CDOM 144 (All existing homes)

$200,000-300,000 ~ 29 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 17 Sold Listings, CDOM 166 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 18 Sold Listings, CDOM 157 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, CDOM 156 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 22 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 287 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:8 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $245,000-$945,000

3 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Ham Lake
2 Home on Little Coon Lake
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/08 through 12/31/08.

Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota: 17721 Durant St NE

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota


• Do you Have your Eye on a Real Estate SLEEPER?


• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!


• Buying a Home on Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!


• Dreaming of Life on Minnesota Acreage? Must have INFO Before YOUR Move!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Happy First Anniversary to “The Parlour” in Andover/Ham Lake--A Dream Come True

A year ago last summer, I was in my favorite Blaine hair salon getting my hair expertly cut and colored by my stylist and friend, Jill Jarvi. As she worked to make me look my best, she told me she was about to embark on her dream of opening her own salon and boutique. It was going open before the end of the year in the Ham Lake/Andover area. Her excitement and drive was evident as she described her dream of an upscale, full service hair salon for women and men. And by the fall of 2007, her dream had come true.
The Parlour is in a word, beautiful! Located in a brand new building just west of the Hanson/Bunker Lake intersection, it is convenient too. Luxurious fixtures and surroundings with style make one feel welcome from the moment you walk in the door. It is a northern oasis for pampering at very affordable prices! The staff is always dressed professionally and greets everyone as a special guest.

Guest comfort is important to Jill. At her previous salon, the old chairs were poorly designed and uncomfortable for clients to sit in for long periods of time while hair processed with a perm, color or foil. (I know because I had actually hurt my lower back and was in severe pain requiring several months of therapy from these old chairs.) This is no longer an issue at The Parlour! Every piece of furniture was selected with the guest in mind. The chairs in the hair washing station are adjusted via remote and glide soothingly into several comfortable positions.

Stylists were hand picked by Jill with the same care and consideration. When the Northern Escape Salon closed last spring, Jill interviewed several of the stylists and selected only a handful of the most talented that would embrace the essence of The Parlour. I have had the spoken with several of these stylists and they are very enthusiastic about their opportunity to work in such a dynamic environment.

Now after surviving the first year in a slow economy and the major construction at the corner of Hanson and Bunker Lake Blvd, The Parlour has something to celebrate! Jill, being the wonderful person that she is, has generously offered an Anniversary special of 50% of any service to a first time guest. She was telling me about this special and I offered to get the word out on her great new salon in the Ham Lake/Andover area. And yes, you can even request the owner herself and receive the deal. Just print out a copy of this blog and bring in with you. Current customers are not forgotten as they can bring in my blog and receive a special gift. Click here for additional information on The Parlour Hair Salon.

I will be in next week to be picture perfect in time for the holidays Maybe I will see you there. We can talk real estate…or just relax!

Are you ready to have your dream of owning a house come true? If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Ham Lake Firefighters Transported a COLD Santa!

It was the coldest night yet this season but that didn't keep Santa from making his holiday rounds in the firetruck throught the northern tier of Ham Lake last Saturday evening. Riding in the basket of the extention truck, Santa cheerfully greeted residents as he collected canned goods and donations for the local food shelf. A windchill of a few degrees below zero couldn't keep the jolly old elf and his Ham Lake helpers from their appointed rounds. Hopefully they collected a ton of food for their efforts. I know they brought more than a few smiles to faces...though they may have stayed frozen on for awhile.

Happy Holidays!

HO HO HO! Santa is Coming to YOUR Ham Lake Neighborhood!

You’d better watch out and better not cry—Santa Claus is coming to OUR Town! The big guy himself will be coming through a Ham Lake neighborhood on his annual firetruck/food drive.

One of the most fun and unique experiences that our family looks forward to every December is when Santa rides through the city on a fire truck, passing out candy canes to the good little (and big) residents of Ham Lake. Santa’s fireman helpers use this opportunity to collect non- perishable food items to stock the Ham Lake food shelf for the holidays. This trip to the end of the driveway or road is not just for the kiddies; Santa passes candy canes, donated by the Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce, out to the young and young at heart.

As Ham Lake is a rather large area geographically and the fire truck is not as swift as flying reindeer, Santa makes his pre-Christmas visit on a 3-day schedule from 6PM to 9PM.

Thursday December 4: The width of the city from the south border to 145th Lane.

Friday, December 5: The width of the city from 145th Avenue to Constance Blvd.

Saturday, December 6: The width of the city from Constance to the city’s north boundary.

New homeowners and past residents alike enjoy this unique Ham Lake Christmas tradition. Don’t miss out on the fun! Mark your calendar, listen for the sirens and bring the food donations to the end of the driveway. It is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Looking for a new home for the holidays? If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Buyer’s Success Package. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Ham Lake City Council Candidates Embracing Rural Character or City Utilities? Better Find Out Before Voting!

Four options on the ticket, two seats up for grabs, do you know enough about the candidates to make an educated decision on whom to vote for next Tuesday? To be honest with you, I did not until this past Saturday. A copy of Lakes and Loons arrived in our mailbox this week with information regarding our four choices. I know quite a bit about the incumbent, council member, Gary Kirkeide. He has never waivered in his dedication to maintaining the rural character in Ham Lake and keeping our taxes low while continuing to provide excellent services. It was a pleasure to have information on Tom Johnson published so that I knew more about him than previously. He outlined many of his policies in the paper. I personally like that he also wants to preserve our rural character.

I found out less about the other two candidates, Farrell Touhy and Tom Paulson. They chose not to answer the survey that was published in Lakes and Loons as the other two candidates had. This bothers me a bit as candidates in at any level of government should participate in all forums and types of media. How can we make a decision?

I decided to check online for additional information on the other two candidates and was pleased to find that all four candidates chose to participate in the ABC Newspaper Voter Guide questionnaire. I read through all of four candidates’ answers and I am now better informed but I still have questions and concerns about Ham Lake.

It seems that there is a feeling by one of the candidates that there is dissention among the current council and that our community is unwilling to work together with each other and surrounding communities. Mr. Touhy states that we need to “partner with neighboring cities”. When did Ham Lake not partner with neighboring cities? Is this about East Bethel, the Met Council and city sewer and water again?

In reading Mr. Paulson’s answer to the city utilities question, I became more concerned and fear that we have not seen the last of the city sewer, water and dense housing proposals in Ham Lake. He states that the approved comprehensive plan was “a good start and our plan should be amended to address these issues”. What issues? Our city council listened to its constituents earlier this year and voted 4-1 to approve a comprehensive plan that embraced our rural character, kept a 1 acre minimum lot requirement and opted to only use batch septic paid for by end users in the commercial areas. A 4-1 vote doesn’t sound like dissention. It sounds like a council that listened to the residents rather than the mayor.

Several things that affect our community and our pocketbooks could be readdressed in the coming year. One of the big concerns that I note is the “push by members of the Ham Lake Charter Commission to remove a rule in our city charter requiring a citizen vote on the issue of bonds for spending over $1 million”. If this rule is removed, the council would in essence be given a blank check to spend millions without citizen approval. Candidates Kirkeide and Johnson were adamant about preserving the rule. But the other two candidates were open to discussing changes on charter.

Ham Lakers I urge you to read carefully what all four candidates have written. These issues will affect our taxes and the future of Ham Lake. I urge all residents to become educated on the issues and candidates prior to making a choice on November 4th.

Not Sure Where to Vote? Click HERE to Find Your Polling Place!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com